Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
  • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
  • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
  • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
  • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
  • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
  • B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
  • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
  • B41J2/17596—Ink pumps, ink valves
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
  • B41J29/17—Cleaning arrangements

Definitions

• the invention relates to a printing unit.
• Printing units with print heads are known. These usually have
• US 2012/0176429 A1 discloses a printing unit which has a print head, an ink pump and a vacuum sensor, wherein results of the vacuum sensor are used to activate the ink pump.
• DE 10 2014 208 896 A1 discloses a printing unit in which ink is circulated and a constant ink level is maintained via an overflow and a negative pressure is regulated by means of at least one vacuum regulator connected to a gas line.
• US 2008/0273063 A1 discloses a printing unit in which ink is circulated and a plurality of containers are matched to one another with regard to their pressures and ink levels.
• a printing unit which has a reservoir, a surge tank, a print head, a supply line with a pump or valve between reservoir and reservoir and a print head supply line between reservoir and print head.
• a hydrostatic or an active pressure control system are provided.
• a printing unit which relates compressed air from an unspecified source. Ink is made from compressed air by compressed air
• a pressure in the expansion tank can also be increased via this compressed air to clean nozzles of a printhead.
• a negative pressure in the expansion tank is generated either by means of the compressed air and a venturi or by a vacuum pump which is not further specified.
• EP 0 282 049 A2 discloses a printing unit which dispenses with any mechanical pumps and instead is connected to a compressed air connection and has a suction jet pump.
• a hot melt ink printing unit having a printhead in which a hydrostatic pressure is adjusted via a difference between two ink levels.
• a gas supply pump is only for
• a vacuum pump is used only for bleeding ink.
• a printing unit is known, can be connected to the refill.
• the printing unit has at least one
• Communication module for wireless communication with data modules of
• US 2001/0028374 A1 discloses a printing unit which has a main assembly with a reservoir and which has a printhead assembly connected to the main assembly through at least one flexible supply connection and having a base body, a surge tank and a printhead.
• the printhead assembly is moved relative to the substrate during printing. For cleaning, the printhead assembly becomes within the control of a
• Cleaning devices known which are arranged to be movable relative to each other.
• Cleaning device is movable.
• the invention has for its object to provide a printing unit.
• a printing unit preferably has at least one storage container for
• Coating agent and a surge tank and at least one print head are preferably fluidically connected to the surge tank via at least one print head feed line.
• the printing unit preferably has at least one supply line which extends from the storage container to the compensation container.
• At least one first pump is preferably arranged along the at least one supply line.
• the pressure unit has a second pump configured as a gas supply pump, more preferably a line volume adjoining a pump outlet of the second pump merges into an interior of the expansion tank, preferably at least during a pressure operation and more preferably permanently flow-technically uninterruptible.
• a transition is interruption-free, in particular, if it is designed without components which prevent or substantially obstruct a flow, such as at least partially closed shut-off valves, pumps or the like.
• the pressure unit preferably has a third pump designed as a gas discharge pump, more preferably a line volume adjacent to a pump input of the third pump merges into the interior of the expansion tank, preferably at least during the printing operation and more preferably permanently fluidly without interruption. Then, within the
• the printing aggregate is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that a first pumping volume which can be conveyed per pumping cycle of the first pump is at least 1 ⁇ and at most 100 ⁇ and / or a second pumping volume which can be conveyed per pump cycle of the gas supply pump is at least 1 ⁇ and at most 100 ⁇ , and or that a third pumping volume which can be conveyed per pump cycle of the gas removal pump is at least 1 ⁇ and at most 100 ⁇ .
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that at least a first pressure sensor is arranged to measure a pressure corresponding to the pressure within the surge tank and / or capable of measuring and / or that a measuring point of the at least one first pressure sensor at least during a printing operation and on preferably permanently fluidly connected interruption-free with the interior of the surge tank.
• a measuring range of the at least one first pressure sensor preferably has as a lower limit a negative pressure of at most 50 mbar and / or has an upper limit of a positive pressure of at most 50 mbar.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that at least a second pressure sensor is arranged to measure a pressure corresponding to the pressure within the surge tank and / or capable of measuring.
• a measuring range of the at least one second pressure sensor preferably has as upper limit a positive pressure of at least 0.3 bar.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that along the print head supply line between the surge tank on the one hand and the print head on the other hand at least a first shut-off valve is arranged.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that at least one level measuring device is capable of measuring and / or measuring a level of coating agent in an interior of the expansion tank.
• Shut-off valve facilitates in particular in conjunction with the second pressure sensor cleaning and / or helps during breaks in the functionality of the
• Pressure unit and / or to maintain the pressure conditions.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that at least three and more preferably exactly three pumps designed as diaphragm pumps are arranged, in particular at least three and more preferably exactly three diaphragm pumps per coating agent.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the first pump is designed as a diaphragm pump and / or that the gas supply pump is designed as a diaphragm pump and / or that the gas discharge pump as
• Diaphragm pump is formed.
• the pressure unit is alternatively or additionally characterized in that an inlet valve forming a pump inlet of the first pump is designed as a check valve and / or flutter valve and / or that a pump outlet of the first pump forming outlet valve is designed as a check valve and / or flutter valve and / or that a pump input the second pump-forming inlet valve is designed as a check valve and / or flutter valve and / or that an outlet valve forming the pump outlet of the second pump is designed as a check valve and / or flutter valve and / or that the pump inlet of the third pump forming inlet valve as a check valve and / or flutter valve is formed and / or that a pump outlet of the third pump forming exhaust valve is designed as a check valve and / or flutter valve.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the printing unit has a main assembly and a printhead assembly and that the reservoir is part of the main assembly and that the at least one printhead is formed as a component of the printhead assembly.
• Printhead assembly is preferably arranged connected by at least one flexible supply connection to the main assembly. This allows the printhead assembly to be located in a desired position relative to the main assembly. This is advantageous, for example, because the main assembly can be placed anywhere and the printhead assembly on objects to be printed and / or
• Substrates can be aligned.
• differently shaped objects can be provided with coating agent, for example with an expiration date.
• coating agent for example with an expiration date.
• Printhead assembly are permanently arranged stationary, which also in an advantageous manner during installation, any alignment is possible.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the
• Printhead assembly as a whole in different pressure positions relative to the
• Main assembly can be arranged.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that as the printhead assembly with the main assembly connecting components of the printing unit is arranged exclusively the at least one flexible supply connection.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the printhead assembly as a whole in at least three, more preferably at least ten different and preferably each a regular printing operation of
• Pressure unit permitting pressure positions relative to the main assembly can be arranged, in particular while maintaining the relative position of the components of the
• Printhead assembly to each other.
• Main module preferably differ at least with respect to one
• the at least one print head is preferably designed as an inkjet print head.
• the at least one print head is preferably designed as at least one printhead which is arranged stationarily in a printing operation.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the first pump and / or the gas supply pump and / or the gas discharge pump is designed as a component of the main assembly.
• the at least three pumps designed as diaphragm pumps are preferably each designed as components of the main assembly.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the at least one supply connection as at least one
• Hose is formed and / or that in the at least one supply connection at least parts of the supply line and at least parts of a gas supply line and / or a gas discharge line and / or a gas equalization line are arranged and / or that in the at least one supply connection at least parts of at least one power supply line and / or at least parts of at least one
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the at least one first pressure sensor is designed as a component of the main assembly and / or that the at least one second pressure sensor is designed as a component of the main assembly.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the printhead assembly at least one base body and the at least one
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the at least one
• Nozzle closure and the at least one print head are arranged movable relative to each other. This is independent of the relative position between
• Printhead assembly and main assembly ensure that the nozzle cap can cover the nozzle orifices of the at least one printhead.
• the at least one nozzle closure is preferably movable relative to the base body, more preferably arranged pivotably.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the nozzle closure has at least one storage element for solvent, more preferably of the coating agent in the reservoir different solvent.
• an atmosphere can be created, which is a drying of
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally in that at least one solvent line is connected to the nozzle closure and / or that the nozzle closure has at least one sealing element and / or that the at least one nozzle closure relative to the base body between at least one closure position and at least one release position is movable, in particular pivotally arranged.
• the solvent line can permanently provide enough solvent.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the printhead assembly has at least one relative to the main body in particular linearly movable first subassembly and the at least one print head is a component of the first subassembly. Then, a mechanism can be realized in which a movement of the subassembly relative movement between printhead and
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that the pressure unit has at least one fourth pump which is preferably different from the at least three diaphragm pumps and / or designated as a filling pump, which is arranged along a refilling line which ends in a storage space of the storage container and at one Coating agent inlet begins, which serves as a connection for
• Refill container is used and that the printing unit has at least one communication module for wireless communication with data modules of refill containers. Then, a supply of coating agent can be ensured that can be processed safely with the printing unit and can be ensured that there is always enough such coating agent.
• ink and printing inks are preferably solutions or dispersions of at least one colorant in at least one solvent.
• Solvents are, for example, water and / or organic solvents.
• the pressurized fluid may be crosslinked under UV light Be formed pressure fluid.
• Inks are relatively low viscosity printing fluids and inks are relatively high viscosity printing fluids. Inks preferably have no binder or relatively little binder, while printing inks preferably contain a relatively large amount of binder and more preferably further auxiliaries.
• Colorants may be pigments and / or dyes, wherein pigments are insoluble in the application medium while
• Dyes are soluble in the application medium.
• inks having dyes as colorants preferably have no binder.
• colorless paints are also meant when mention is made of printing fluids and / or inks and / or printing inks.
• means for a pretreatment (so-called precoating) and / or a subsequent treatment (so-called post-treatment or post-coating) of the printing material are preferably meant, if printing fluids and / or inks and / or printing inks are mentioned.
• the term coating agent is to be understood as synonymous.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a construction of a printing unit and its conduit system
• FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of a printhead assembly with a nozzle closure arranged in a closed position
• FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of the printhead assembly according to FIG. 2a with a nozzle closure arranged in a release position
• Fig. 3a is a schematic representation of the nozzle closure
• Fig. 3b is a schematic representation in an interior of the nozzle closure
• Fig. 3c is a further schematic representation in an interior of the
• a printing unit 01 has at least one print head 02.
• the at least one print head 02 is preferably designed as an inkjet print head 02.
• the at least one print head 02 is preferably a printhead 02 which is arranged stationary in a printing operation.
• the printing unit 01 preferably has at least one reservoir 03 for
• Coating agent or ink is preferably conveyed from the reservoir 03 via the surge tank 04 in the print head 02 and applied from there to a particular substrate if necessary.
• the expansion tank 04 has at least one and preferably exactly one interior 07.
• the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04 is in particular intended to accommodate at least a first liquid volume 27 of coating agent, in particular ink.
• the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 is also provided to receive at least a first volume of gas 28.
• Gas volume 28 and the first liquid volume 27 of coating agent or ink preferably together fill the interior 07 of the surge tank 04.
• the at least one print head 02 is preferably via at least one print head feed line 26 with the surge tank 04 and in particular with its interior 07th
• the print head supply line 26 is preferably a
• At least one first shutoff valve 32 is arranged.
• the print head 02 is preferably a print head 02 operating according to a drop-on-demand method or a print head 02 operating discontinuously. This means that, at least in a regular printing operation, respective nozzle openings of the print head 02
• Pixels are assigned.
• printheads would stand which continuously eject drops, which are then partially prevented from reaching the substrate, for example, by electrical charge and selective deflection.
• at least one print head 02 is at least during one
• Coating agent or ink arranged, however, preferably no air or other gas.
• the print head 02 has nozzle channels leading to respective nozzle openings. If necessary, individual drops of coating agent or ink are ejected through the nozzle openings. Through the nozzle channels coating agent, especially ink is replenished. The ejection of the drops preferably takes place in that a part of a respective channel volume of the respective nozzle channel or a part of a respective chamber volume of a chamber adjoining the respective nozzle channel is reduced at high speed. As a result, the coating agent, in particular the ink, must escape and, as a result, a corresponding drop is ejected from the respective nozzle opening. Thereafter, the corresponding volume is increased again, so that coating agent or ink can flow in and the process is carried out again.
• the reduction of the channel volume or Chamber volume is preferably carried out by means of at least one respective formed as a piezoelectric element drop generating element, which changes its extension upon application of a voltage and thereby changed directly the corresponding volume.
• the reduction of the channel volume or chamber volume takes place, for example, by means of at least one respective thermocouple
• Drop-generating element which is heated and thereby evaporates coating agent, in particular ink for a short time.
• the resulting vapor bubble takes up more space than the liquid coating agent from which it was formed, thereby indirectly achieving a reduction in the volume available to liquid and again ejecting a drop.
• the storage container 03 for coating agent, in particular ink has at least one and preferably exactly one storage space 08.
• the storage space 08 is preferably used to store a relatively large amount of coating agent or ink, for example also referred to as storage volume, for example over an extended period of time.
• the first liquid volume 27 of coating agent or ink disposed in the surge tank 04 essentially serves to always provide sufficient coating agent or ink in the print head, for example, regardless of where the print head 02 is located.
• the print head 02 has at least one and preferably a plurality of nozzle openings.
• the plurality of nozzle openings are regularly distributed over a nozzle surface 48 of the print head 02.
• the coating agent, in particular the ink is preferably in the form of a liquid column at least in nozzle channels of the print head 02 adjoining the nozzle openings of the print head 02
• Reservoir 04 arranged first fluid volume 27 is at least in Printing operation preferably without interruption of the liquid in a arranged in the print head 02 liquid volume over, which extends into the nozzle channels and to respective lower limits of this liquid column.
• the liquid column beginning in the nozzle channels and partly arranged in the nozzle channels thus preferably extends into the interior 07 of the equalizing container 04.
• Liquid volume 27 and the first gas volume 28 is an interface 29, which is preferably an upper limit of this liquid column.
• an upper limit should be understood to mean an interface that is located higher in relation to a flow direction than the nozzle openings and / or the example
• Liquid is limited directly upwards, even if parts of the liquid may optionally be located further up in other duct areas, and
• a corresponding lower limit can be arranged higher up than this upper limit. This is for example the case when the print head 02 is arranged above the surge tank 04. By way of example, however, the print head 02 is arranged at least partially below the compensation container 04 and / or the upper limit is arranged above the lower limit.
• a gas pressure in the first gas volume 28 arranged above the interface 29 is preferably influenced such that a slight negative pressure in the first gas volume 28 occurs at least during the printing operation and preferably also during a standstill relative to an ambient pressure surrounding the printing unit 01 prevails.
• the negative pressure in the first gas volume 28 relative to the ambient pressure is preferably at least 1 mbar (ie 100 Pa), more preferably at least 5 mbar (ie 500 Pa) and even more preferably at least 10 mbar (ie 1000 Pa) and regardless of the minimum value preferably at most 50 mbar (ie 5000 Pa), more preferably at most 25 mbar (ie 2500 Pa) and even more preferably at most 15 mbar (ie 1500 Pa).
• the pressure unit 01 preferably has a line system, by means of which both a level within the surge tank 04 controllable or preferably controllable and the gas pressure within the surge tank 04 is controllable or preferably adjustable. In this way, permanently optimized conditions for the print head can be realized.
• the printing unit 01 has at least one and preferably exactly one supply line 06, in particular as a liquid supply line 06 and / or
• Coating agent supply line 06 and / or ink supply line 06 is formed.
• the at least one supply line 06 preferably extends from the reservoir 03 to the surge tank 04.
• the at least one supply line 06 is preferably formed as a flexible supply line 06, for example as supply hose 06.
• Along the at least one supply line 06 is preferably at least one and more preferably exactly one arranged first pump 09, which is designed as a coating agent pump 09 and / or ink pump 09.
• the first pump 09 has at least one and preferably exactly one first pump inlet 11.
• the first pump 09 has at least one and preferably exactly one first pump outlet 12.
• the first pump 09 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry to a machine control, in particular to a level control area of the machine control.
• the pump inlet 1 1 of the first pump 09 or first pump inlet 1 1 is preferably fluidically connected to the reservoir 03. This is realized, for example, in that the first pump inlet 1 1 is then arranged directly adjacent to the storage container 03. Alternatively and preferably, however, this is realized in that the first pump inlet 1 1 is connected via a portion of the supply line 06 to the reservoir 03. For example, at least one filter device 31 is arranged along this section of the supply line 06.
• the pump outlet 12 of the first pump 09 or first pump outlet 12 is preferably fluidly connected to the interior 07 of the surge tank 04. This is realized, for example, by the fact that the expansion tank 04 is arranged directly adjacent to the first pump outlet 12. Alternatively and preferably, however, this is realized in that the expansion tank 04 is connected via a portion of the supply line 06 to the first pump outlet 12.
• the at least one supply line 06 ends below the interface 29 between the first liquid volume 27 and the first gas volume 28, more preferably below the position of the interface 29 between the first liquid volume 27 and the first gas volume 28 which is valid at a lower reporting level.
• At least one and more preferably exactly one designed as a gas supply pump 13 second pump 13 is arranged.
• the second pump 13 has at least one and preferably exactly one second pump inlet 14.
• the second pump 13 has at least one and preferably exactly one second pump outlet 16.
• the second pump 13 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry with the machine control, in particular with a pressure control area of the machine control.
• the pump outlet 16 of the gas supply pump 13 or second pump outlet 16 is preferably fluidically connected to the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04, for example via at least one gas supply line 21 and / or via a gas equalization line 23 or directly.
• a line volume adjoining the second pump outlet 16 transitions into the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04, in particular at least during the printing operation without interruption and more preferably permanently without interruption. It is irrelevant whether this line volume is limited by the gas supply line 21 or the gas equalization line 23 or not, as long as no line interrupting the element is arranged.
• At least one and more preferably exactly one gas pump 17 designed as a third pump 17 is arranged.
• the third pump 17 has at least one and prefers exactly a third pump inlet 18.
• the third pump 17 has at least one and preferably exactly one third pump outlet 19.
• the third pump 17 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry to the machine control, in particular to the pressure control area of the machine control.
• the pump inlet 18 of the gas discharge pump 17 or third pump inlet 18 is preferably fluidly connected to the interior 07 of the surge tank 04, for example via at least one gas discharge line 22 and / or via a gas equalization line 23 or directly.
• a line volume adjoining the third pump inlet 18 merges into the interior space 07 of the compensation tank 04, in particular without interruption, at least during printing operation, and more preferably permanently without interruption. It is irrelevant whether this line volume is limited by the gas discharge line 22 or the gas equalization line 23 or not, as long as no line interrupting the element is arranged.
• a gas supply line 21 is connected on the one hand to the second pump outlet 16 and on the other hand to the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 and is a different gas supply line 21 Gasabschreibtechnisch 22 on the one hand to the third pump inlet 18 and the other with the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 connected.
• a preferred second embodiment of the pressure equalization system is a
• Gas equalization line 23 arranged on the one hand fluidly with the
• Gas discharge line 22 is connected, said gas supply line 21 in turn is fluidically connected to the second pump outlet 16 and wherein these
• Gas discharge line 22 in turn is fluidically connected to the third pump inlet 18.
• Gas equalization line 23 then preferably meet at a common crossing point 24 together.
• the printing unit 01 at least a first assembly 33 and a second assembly 34.
• the first assembly 33 of the printing unit 01 is preferably designed as a main assembly 33.
• the second assembly 34 of the printing unit 01 is preferably designed as a printhead assembly 34.
• the first main group 33 preferably occupies a first volume of space greater than a second volume occupying the second assembly 34, for example at least twice as large, more preferably at least five times as large, and even more preferably at least ten times as large.
• the printhead assembly 34 and / or the printhead assembly 34
• Main assembly 33 associated components 03; 09; 13; 17; 31; 39; 41; 49; 51; 52; 56; 57; 58 can be arranged.
• the print head 02 can be flexibly positioned and / or repeatedly changed in its position, while the main assembly 33 and thus preferably the majority of the mass and / or the largest part of the volume of the printing unit 01 stationary and / or away from confined areas and / or for
• the printhead assembly 34 is over at least one flexible
• the at least one supply connection 36 connected to the main assembly 33 and / or arranged connectable.
• the at least one supply connection 36 is designed, for example, as at least one hose 36.
• at least parts of the supply line 06 or liquid supply line 06 are preferably arranged.
• At least parts of the gas supply line 21 and / or at least parts of the gas discharge line 22 and / or more preferably at least parts of the gas compensation line 23 are preferably arranged in the at least one supply connection 36.
• In the at least one supply connection 36 are preferably at least parts of at least one power supply line and / or at least parts of at least one
• the at least one gas supply line 21 is preferably designed as a flexible gas supply line 21, in particular as
• the at least one gas discharge line 22 is preferably designed as a flexible gas discharge line 22, in particular as Gasbowschlauch 22.
• the at least one gas compensation line 23 is preferably designed as a flexible gas equalization line 23, in particular as a gas equalizing tube 23rd
• At least the print head 02 is formed as a component 02 of the print head assembly 34 and / or the surge tank 04 is formed as a component 04 of the print head assembly 34 and / or the supply line 06 formed as a component 06 of the print head assembly 34 and / or the first shut-off valve 32 as a component 32 of Printhead assembly 34 is formed and / or at least one nozzle closure 37 as a component 37 of the
• Printhead assembly 34 is formed and / or at least one shutter drive 38 and / or positioning drive 38 as a component 38 of the printhead assembly 34 is formed.
• At least the first pump 09 is designed as a component 09 of the main assembly 33 and / or the second pump 13 is designed as a component 13 of the main assembly 33 and / or the third pump 17 is designed as a component 17 of the main assembly 33 and / or the reservoir 03 as a component 03 of the main assembly 33 and / or formed the filter device 31 as a component 31 of the main assembly 33.
• the first pump 09 is preferably designed as a diaphragm pump 09.
• the first pump 09 preferably has a first pump interior.
• the first pump interior is preferably limited on the input side by a first inlet valve.
• the first inlet valve preferably forms the first pump inlet 11.
• the first inlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as an inflow of fluid into the first pump interior releasing check valve and / or flutter valve.
• the first pump interior is preferably limited on the output side by a first outlet valve.
• the first outlet valve preferably forms the first pump outlet 12.
• the first outlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as a non-return valve and / or flutter valve releasing fluid from the first pump interior.
• the first pump interior is preferably surrounded by an at least partially flexible first outer shell apart from the first inlet valve and the first outlet valve.
• the first outer shell is preferably at least partially formed by at least one in particular impermeable flexible membrane.
• the first pump 09 has at least one first lifting body or armature.
• the first lifting body is preferably movable by means of a first pump drive, in particular linearly movable.
• the first pump 09 is designed as a linear pump.
• the first lifting body is preferably movable between at least one maximum position and a minimum position, wherein when the first lifting body is arranged in the maximum position, the first pump interior has a maximum first internal volume and wherein the first lifting body arranged in the minimal position is the first
• Pump interior has a minimum first inner volume, and wherein in particular the minimum first inner volume is smaller than the maximum first inner volume.
• a movement of the first lifting body from the maximum position to the minimum position is called the expelling movement of the first lifting body.
• the first internal volume is reduced. This creates an overpressure in the first pump interior.
• Arranged fluid, in particular coating agent or ink is expelled by the first outlet valve.
• the first inlet valve remains closed due to the pressure conditions.
• a movement of the first lifting body from the minimum position to the maximum position becomes sucking
• Called movement of the first lifting body During the suctioning movement of the first lifting body, the first inner volume is increased. It creates a negative pressure in the first pump interior. Fluid arranged in front of the first inlet valve, in particular coating agent or ink, is sucked in through the first inlet valve and conveyed into the first pump interior. The first exhaust valve remains closed due to the pressure conditions.
• a pumping cycle preferably consists of a suctioning movement and a subsequent expelling movement. With each pumping cycle of the first pump 09, a first pumping volume is delivered, in particular from before the first
• the first pumping volume depends on the geometric conditions of the first pump 09, in particular their dimensions but also from the first lifting height of the first piston.
• This first lifting height preferably designates the distance covered by the first reciprocating piston between its minimum position and its maximum position.
• the first pump drive is designed as a magnetic first pump drive.
• a first coil is arranged, which exerts a corresponding force on the first lifting body depending on the current flow and, for example, in interaction with a restoring element moves the latter into a specific position, in particular optionally either the minimum position or the maximum position.
• a return element is arranged, which urges the first lifting body in a rest position.
• the rest position is the maximum position.
• the rest position is the minimum position. Further preferred is at in
• Outlet valve of the first pump 09 extending flow path completely closed. Then no fluid can pass the first pump interior, regardless of the inlet valve and the outlet valve.
• the first pump volume is up to one through the geometric
• the first Pumping volume is preferably at least 1 ⁇ (one microliter), more preferably at least 7 ⁇ (seven microliters) and even more preferably at least 15 ⁇ (fifteen microliters). Regardless, the first pumping volume is preferably at most 100 ⁇ (one hundred microliters), more preferably at most 50 ⁇ (fifty microliters), and even more preferably at most 25 ⁇ (twenty-five microliters). Depending on the amount to be conveyed, it is preferred to carry out correspondingly many pump cycles. Preferably, at least ten, more preferably at least fifteen pump cycles per second can be carried out with the first pump 09.
• the second pump 13 is preferably formed analogously to the first pump 09.
• the second pump 13 is preferably designed as a diaphragm pump 13.
• the second pump 13 preferably has a second pump interior.
• the second pump interior is preferably limited on the input side by a second inlet valve.
• the second inlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as a flow-in of fluid in the second pump interior releasing check valve and / or
• the second pump interior is preferably limited on the output side by a second outlet valve.
• the second outlet valve preferably forms the second pump outlet 16.
• the second outlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as an outflow of fluid from the second
• the second pump interior is preferably surrounded by an at least partially flexible second outer shell apart from the second inlet valve and the second outlet valve.
• the second outer shell is preferably at least partially formed by at least one in particular impermeable flexible membrane.
• the second pump 13 preferably has at least one second lifting body or armature.
• the second lifting body is preferably movable by means of a second pump drive, in particular linearly movable.
• the second pump 13 is designed as a linear pump.
• the second lifting body is preferably movable between at least one maximum position and a minimum position, wherein when arranged in the maximum position second lifting body, the second pump interior has a maximum second inner volume and wherein arranged in the minimal position second lifting the second pump interior has a minimal second internal volume and wherein in particular the minimum second internal volume is smaller than the maximum second internal volume.
• Minimum position apply preferably the versions of the first pump 09 and the first lifting body accordingly.
• a second pumping volume is delivered, in particular from before the second pump inlet 14 to after the second pump outlet 16.
• the second pumping volume depends on the geometric conditions of the second pump 13, in particular its dimensions but also of the second lifting height of the second piston.
• the second pump drive is preferably constructed analogously to the first pump drive.
• the second pumping volume is preferably at least 1 ⁇ (one microliter), more preferably at least 7 ⁇ (seven microliters) and even more preferably at least 15 ⁇ (fifteen microliters). Regardless, the second pumping volume is preferably at most 100 ⁇ (one hundred microliters), more preferably at most 50 ⁇ (fifty microliters), and even more preferably at most 25 ⁇ (twenty-five microliters). Depending on the amount to be conveyed are preferred.
• the third pump 17 is preferably designed analogously to the first pump 09.
• the third Pump 17 is alternatively or additionally preferably constructed analogously to the second pump 09.
• the third pump 17 is preferably designed as a diaphragm pump 17.
• the third pump 17 preferably has a third pump interior.
• Pump interior is preferably limited on the input side of a third inlet valve.
• the third inlet valve preferably forms the third pump inlet 18.
• Inlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as a one-flow of fluid in the third pump interior releasing check valve and / or flutter valve.
• the third pump interior is preferably limited on the output side by a third outlet valve.
• the third outlet valve preferably forms the third pump outlet 19.
• the third outlet valve is preferably designed as a check valve, in particular as an outflow of fluid from the third
• the third pump interior is apart from the third intake valve and the third
• Exhaust valve preferably surrounded by an at least partially flexible third outer shell.
• the third outer shell is preferably at least partially formed by at least one in particular impermeable flexible membrane.
• the third pump 17 preferably has at least one third lifting body or armature.
• the third lifting body is preferably movable by means of a third pump drive, in particular linearly movable.
• the third pump 17 is designed as a linear pump.
• the third lifting body is preferably movable between at least one maximum position and a minimum position, wherein in the maximum position arranged third lifting the third pump interior has a maximum third internal volume and wherein arranged in the minimal position third lifting the third pump interior has a minimum third internal volume and in particular the minimum third internal volume is smaller than the maximum third internal volume.
• Minimum position apply preferably the versions of the first pump 09 and the first lifting body accordingly.
• the third pumping volume depends on the geometric proportions of the third pump 17, in particular from their dimensions but also from the third lifting height of the third piston.
• the third pump drive is preferably constructed analogously to the first pump drive. Preferably, when arranged in the rest position or minimal position third lifting body of the third
• the third pumping volume is preferably at least 1 ⁇ (one microliter), more preferably at least 7 ⁇ (seven microliters) and even more preferably at least 15 ⁇ (fifteen microliters). Regardless, the third pumping volume is preferably at most 100 ⁇ (one hundred microliters), more preferably at most 50 ⁇ (fifty microliters), and even more preferably at most 25 ⁇
• At least ten, more preferably at least fifteen pump cycles per second can be carried out with the third pump 17.
• the printing unit 01 preferably has at least one first fill level measuring device 42.
• the first fill level measuring device 42 is preferably used for measuring a first fill level of coating agent, in particular ink in the interior 07 of the
• the at least one first level measuring device 42 is thus preferably capable of measuring and / or measuring the level of coating agent, in particular ink in the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04.
• This first level represents in particular a measure of the first liquid volume 27, which is arranged in the expansion tank 04.
• the first fill level measuring device 42 is preferably a component 42 of the print head assembly 34.
• the first fill level measuring device 42 provides at least information about the lower message status the compensation tank 04 and information about an upper reporting status of the surge tank 04 detected.
• the first liquid volume 27 corresponding to the lower message level is at least 5 ml, more preferably at least 8 ml and / or at most 90 ml, more preferably at least 50 ml and more preferably at most 20 ml.
• the upper fluid level corresponding to the first fluid volume 27 is at least 8 ml, more preferably at least 10 ml and / or at most 100 ml, more preferably at most 60 ml and even more preferably at most 25 ml. For example, this is the upper one
• the first level measuring device 42 has a sensor which is suitable both to determine whether the filling level of the surge tank 04 has reached the lower reporting level of the surge tank 04, as well as to determine whether the filling level of the surge tank 04 the has reached upper reporting level of the expansion tank 04.
• the first level measuring device 42 has a first sensor which is suitable for determining whether the filling level of the compensating container 04 is the lower level of the message
• Equalization tank 04 has reached and the first level measuring device 42 has a second sensor which is adapted to determine whether the filling level of the surge tank 04 has reached the upper reporting level of the surge tank 04.
• the first level measuring device 42 is preferably circuit technology with the
• Machine control connected, in particular with the level control range of the machine control.
• the level measuring device 42 By means of the level measuring device 42, the amount of coating agent or ink present in the expansion tank 04 is preferably monitored. Of the Level measurement device 42 supplied information is preferably used to control or in particular control of the amount in the surge tank 04 of coating agent or ink. For example, first in one
• the first pump 09 is activated and transported coating agent or ink, in particular from the reservoir 03 into the expansion tank 04, in particular until the first fluid volume 27 is so large that the upper reporting level is reached.
• a signal is generated by the level measuring device 42, based on which preferably the first pump 09 is first deactivated.
• a removal operation and in particular in the printing operation is then by ejecting drops from the nozzle openings coating agent,
• Liquid volume 27 in the expansion tank 04 has decreased so far that the lower indicator level is reached, is generated by the level measuring device 42, a signal on the basis of which preferably the first pump 09 is activated again. It begins another refilling process, which in turn ends with reaching the upper reporting level.
• the printing operation takes place.
• coating agent in particular ink
• Equalization tank 04 fed and removed is designed so that it can deliver more coating agent or ink per unit of time than the printhead 02 can eject even with continuous operation of all its drop generating elements per unit time. Then it is ensured that the expansion tank 04 can not run unintentionally empty. In particular, then at least temporarily takes place at the same time the refilling and the removal process.
• Reservoir 04 promoted, at least as long as the upper reporting status is not reached again. As a result, the amount of coating agent or ink in the expansion tank 04 decreases more slowly.
• Control of the quantity of coating agent or ink present in the expansion tank 04 is made as described activating the first pump 09 from reaching the lower level and deactivating the first pump 09 from reaching the upper level dependent.
• At least one first pressure sensor 39 is preferably arranged.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is preferably used to measure a pressure in the first
• Gas volume 28 in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 prevails, in particular during a printing operation and / or during a standstill of the printing unit 01st
• the first shut-off valve 32 is preferably at least temporarily closed.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is, for example, at least partially disposed in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is preferably connected indirectly to the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is along the gas supply line 21 and / or along the
• Gas discharge line 22 and / or arranged along the gas equalization line 23 are preferably uninterrupted with the respective line volume of the gas supply line 21 and / or the gas discharge line 22 and / or the gas compensation line 23.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is arranged along the gas discharge line 22, which between the common Crossing point 24 on the one hand and the pump inlet 18 of the gas discharge pump 17 is arranged.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is capable of measuring and / or measuring a pressure corresponding to the pressure within the equalizing tank 04.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is preferably a vacuum sensor 39.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 preferably serves to determine the negative pressure in the first gas volume 28 relative to the ambient pressure.
• a measuring range of the at least one first pressure sensor 39 preferably has as a lower limit a negative pressure of no more than 50 mbar (ie 5000 Pa), more preferably no more than 35 mbar (ie 3500 Pa) and even more preferably
• the measuring range of the at least one first pressure sensor 39 as upper limit preferably has a positive pressure of at most 50 mbar (ie 5000 Pa), more preferably at most 35 mbar (ie 3500 Pa) and even more preferably at most 18 mbar (ie 1800 Pa ) on.
• the measuring range is the range of measurable values for the difference between the pressure within the area to be measured on the one hand and the ambient pressure or atmospheric pressure on the other hand.
• the at least one first pressure sensor 39 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry to the machine control, in particular to the pressure control area of the machine control.
• the first pressure sensor 39 is preferably the component 39 of the main assembly 33
• the volume of the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 is preferably in
• the pressure in the first gas volume 28 is controlled and more preferably regulated.
• the negative pressure in the first gas volume 28 is measured relative to an ambient pressure. As described, this can also happen outside of the surge tank 04, as long as there is a direct fluidic connection.
• the second pump 13 is activated at least for a short time and delivers gas , In particular, air from its pump inlet 14 to its pump outlet 16 and in particular in the gas supply line 21 and / or in the gas equalization line 23 and / or in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04, preferably in any case in a range that fluidly directly with the first gas volume 28 in Connection stands.
• gas In particular, air from its pump inlet 14 to its pump outlet 16 and in particular in the gas supply line 21 and / or in the gas equalization line 23 and / or in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04, preferably in any case in a range that fluidly directly with the first gas volume 28 in Connection stands.
• the amount of gas in the first gas volume 28 is increased and thus the pressure in the first gas volume 28 increases and / or the negative pressure is reduced in amount.
• a pressure in the first gas volume 28 is measured which is too large, and / or a negative pressure in the first gas volume 28 relative to the
• the third pump 17 is at least temporarily activated and promotes gas, especially air from her
• Gas discharge line 22 and / or from the gas compensation line 23 and / or from the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 preferably in any case from a region which is fluidically directly connected to the first gas volume 28.
• the amount of gas in the first gas volume 28 is reduced and thus the pressure in the first gas volume 28 is reduced and / or the negative pressure is increased in magnitude.
• the pressure in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 and / or the negative pressure in the first gas volume 27 can be kept substantially constant relative to an ambient pressure.
• the conditions for discharging drops of the coating agent, in particular the ink are preferably kept substantially constant, in particular independently of the fill level of the ink
• Ambient pressure is preferably independent of a relative arrangement height between the print head 02 and main assembly 33. As a result, a particularly flexible arrangement of the print head 02 is possible. This is supported by the fact that the
• Expansion tank 04 is always arranged together with the print head 02 and / or is movable.
• Compensation container 04 located first liquid volume of coating agent or ink without the use of signals of the at least one first pressure sensor 39.
• the control and / or regulation of the pressure in the first takes place Gas volume 28 without the use of signals of at least a first
• Level control device 42 In particular, the control or, in particular, regulation of the first liquid volume of coating agent or ink present in the expansion tank 04 preferably takes place independently and / or separately from the control or, in particular, regulation of the pressure in the first gas volume 28.
• At least one second pressure sensor 41 is arranged.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 preferably serves to measure a pressure which prevails in the first gas volume 28 in the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04, in particular during at least part of a cleaning process.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is, for example, at least partially disposed in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is preferably connected indirectly to the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is arranged along the gas supply line 21 and / or along the gas discharge line 22 and / or along the gas compensation line 23.
• the respective line volume of the gas supply line 21 and / or the gas discharge line 22 and / or the gas compensation line 23 is as described preferably without interruption connected to the interior 07 of the surge tank 04. In this way, even within the gas supply line 21 and / or the gas discharge line 22 and / or the gas compensation line 23 of that pressure can be measured, which prevails in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is arranged along the gas supply line 21, which between the common crossing point 24 on the one hand and the pump outlet 16 of
• Gas supply pump 13 is arranged.
• Pressure sensor 41 a measuring pressure corresponding to the pressure within the surge tank 04 and / or arranged to measure capable.
• a measuring point of the at least one second pressure sensor 41 at least during the printing operation and more preferably permanently fluidly connected interruption-free with the interior 07 the surge tank 04.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is preferably an overpressure sensor 41.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 preferably serves to determine the overpressure in the first gas volume 28 relative to the ambient pressure.
• a measuring range of the at least one second pressure sensor 41 preferably has a lower limit of a pressure of 0 mbar.
• the lower limit of the measuring range of the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is preferably within the measuring range of the at least one first pressure sensor 39.
• the measuring range of the at least one second pressure sensor 41 preferably has a positive pressure of at most 2.5 bar (ie 250 kPa), more preferably at most 1.8 bar (ie 180 kPa) and even more preferably at most 1.1 bar (ie 1 10 kPa).
• the measuring range of the at least one second pressure sensor 41 as upper limit preferably has a positive pressure of at least 0.3 bar (ie 30 kPa), more preferably at least 0.5 bar (ie 50 kPa) and even more preferably at least 0, 8 bar (ie 80 kPa).
• the measuring range is the range of measurable values for the difference between the pressure within the area to be measured on the one hand and the ambient pressure or atmospheric pressure on the other hand.
• the at least one second pressure sensor 41 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry to the machine control, in particular to the pressure control area of the machine control.
• the second pressure sensor 41 is designed as a component 41 of the main assembly 33.
• the following describes two cleaning procedures. Preferably, depending on the situation, at least one of the cleaning processes or one after the other both cleaning operations are used.
• a first cleaning process the drop generating elements of the printhead remain unchanged.
• the pressure in the interior 07 of the expansion tank 04 is increased compared to the conditions in the pressure operation. In this case, at least one negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure is reduced or reduced to zero. For example, even an overpressure in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 is generated relative to the ambient pressure.
• Coating means in particular the ink which has previously been retained by the negative pressure in the nozzle channels, now exits from the nozzle openings, in particular from all, driven by gravity and / or by overpressure
• Nozzle openings As a result, dirt and dried particles can be rinsed out.
• first preferably the first shut-off valve 32 is closed. Thereafter, the pressure is increased in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04. This is preferably done by in particular by means of the first pump 09 additional coating agent, in particular additional ink in the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 is promoted and / or particularly by means of the second pump 13 additional gas, in particular additional air into the interior 07 of the surge tank 04 promoted becomes.
• first shut-off valve 32 is preferably opened at least for a short time.
• coating agent in particular ink
• the nozzle openings are accelerated and driven out of the nozzle openings at high speed.
• air bubbles are thereby preferably entrained and conveyed out to the nozzle openings.
• the printing unit 01 has at least one nozzle closure 37.
• the at least one nozzle closure 37 preferably serves to close off the nozzle surface 48 and / or the nozzle openings of the print head 02 from an environment, for example as mechanical protection and / or to prevent it from entering the environment
• Densenkanälen arranged coating means in particular ink dries and thereby possibly makes corresponding nozzle openings unusable and / or clogged.
• at least one shutter drive 38 is arranged, by means of which the at least one print head 02 and in particular its nozzle surface 48 on the one hand and the at least one nozzle shutter 37 on the other hand are arranged to be movable relative to one another.
• the at least one nozzle closure 37 is arranged pivotable about a pivot axis 44.
• at least one return element is arranged, which causes a restoring force urging the at least one nozzle closure 37 in a preferred position.
• the preferred position is preferably a closure position in which the at least one nozzle closure 37 closes the nozzle surface 48 and / or the nozzle openings of the print head 02 from the environment.
• the at least one shutter drive 38 is arranged, by means of which the at least one print head 02 and in particular its nozzle surface 48 on the one hand and the at least one nozzle shutter 37 on the other hand
• Shutter drive 38 is then preferably designed such that by means of the at least one shutter drive 38, the at least one nozzle shutter 37 is movable to a position different from the preferred position, in particular a release position, in which the at least one nozzle shutter 37, the nozzle surface 48 and / or the nozzle openings of Printhead 02 in particular with respect to the ejection direction A releases.
• the printhead assembly 34 has at least one main body 43.
• the at least one nozzle closure 37 is preferably movable relative to the base body 43, for example arranged pivotably, in particular pivotable about the pivot axis 44.
• a pivoting space is preferably a spatial area which is formed from the sum of all space regions which can be occupied by the at least one nozzle closure 37 along its pivoting path about the pivot axis 44.
• the printhead assembly 34 includes at least a first subassembly 46 on.
• the first subassembly 46 is preferably movably arranged relative to the main body 43 of the printhead assembly 34, in particular linearly movable and / or movable along a positioning path.
• the first sub-assembly 46 is preferably by means of a positioning drive 38 relative to the main body 43 of
• Printhead assembly 34 movably arranged, in particular linearly movable.
• the print head 02 is preferably a component of the first subassembly 46
• Positioning drive 38 is preferably a component 38 of printhead assembly 34.
• a positioning space area is preferably a space area formed from the sum of all room areas occupied by first subassembly 46 along its positioning path. Preferably, the pivot space and the positioning intersect.
• a mobility and / or movement of the first subassembly 46 is therefore coupled to a position and / or movement of the at least one nozzle closure 37.
• movement of the first subassembly 46 allows and / or causes movement of the at least one nozzle shutter 37.
• the subassembly 46 is at the beginning of the opening operation, but in particular at the latest after an initial movement with the at least one nozzle closure 37 in contact, in particular such that a cover 47 of the nozzle shutter 37 on the one hand and the nozzle surface 48 of the print head 02 on the other hand with respect to the ejection direction A opposite are arranged.
• the nozzle closure 37 is arranged in its closed position.
• the first subassembly 46 is moved in a positioning direction B.
• the positioning direction B preferably has at least one component which is oriented parallel to the ejection direction A. More preferably, the positioning direction B is parallel to the ejection direction A.
• the at least one nozzle closure 37 is preferably displaced by the subassembly 46 and performs an evasive movement in the form of a pivoting movement about its pivot axis 44.
• the pivot axis 44 is arranged in particular outside of the positioning space.
• the movement of Subassembly 46 and preferably the coupled thereto movement of the at least one nozzle closure 37 preferably takes place at least as far as all
• Nozzle openings beginning and extending linearly in the ejection direction A passing straight line past the nozzle closure 37.
• the movement of the first sub-assembly 46 is still continued until it has reached an end position in which the print head 02 an operating position relative to the main body 43 of
• Printhead assembly 34 has taken. The pivoting movement of
• Nozzle closure 37 is preferably carried out counter to the restoring force of the at least one return element.
• the positioning drive 38 is preferably at the same time acting as a shutter drive 38 acting.
• the subassembly 46 is in turn initially in contact with the at least one nozzle closure 37, in particular such that the
• the nozzle closure 37 is arranged in its release position.
• the first subassembly 46 is moved counter to the positioning direction B.
• the subassembly 46 gradually releases the pivot space and the at least one nozzle closure 37 is pivoted about the pivot axis 44, in particular driven by the restoring force of the restoring element.
• the movement of the subassembly 46 and preferably the movement of the at least one nozzle closure 37 coupled thereto preferably takes place at least until the covering surface 47 of the nozzle closure 37 on the one hand and the nozzle surface 48 of the printhead 02 on the other hand are arranged opposite one another with respect to the ejection direction A.
• the first subassembly 46 is also called printhead carriage 46.
• the surge tank 04 is part of the first subassembly 46.
• the Printhead supply line 26 Part of the first subassembly 46.
• the first shutoff valve 32 is part of the first subassembly 46.
• At least one sealing element 59 is preferably arranged such that when the nozzle closure 37 is arranged in the closed position relative to the print head 02, a ready-to-hold space is provided which is closed except for the nozzle openings and optionally at least one supply opening 61.
• the at least one supply opening 61 is preferably connected to a solvent source and / or arranged to be connected.
• the at least one first ready-to-use space preferably serves to create an atmosphere surrounding the nozzle surface and / or the nozzle openings, which preserves them from contamination and / or drying of the coating agent, in particular the ink.
• the at least one nozzle closure 37 has at least one storage element 62 for, in particular, different solvent from the coating agent in the storage container 03, which is embodied, for example, as a container 62 and / or as a sponge 62.
• the memory element 62 is, for example, with
• the supply of solvent takes place, for example, via at least one solvent line 63 and the at least one supply opening 61.
• the solvent line 63 is preferably a
• Solvent pump arranged, which is for example controlled and / or regulated.
• the at least one sealing element 59 is arranged on the subassembly 46.
• the at least one sealing element 59 is preferably on the
• Nozzle closure 37 arranged and movable together with this.
• the storage element 62 is at any time spaced from the nozzle surface 47, in particular regardless of whether the at least one nozzle closure 37 is arranged in its closed position or in its release position or in between.
• the subassembly 46 preferably has at least one storage area.
• Storage area preferably serves as a storage location for in his release position arranged nozzle closure 37.
• the storage area is preferably adapted in shape to the nozzle closure 37, in particular such that the nozzle closure 37 together with the sealing element 59 and the storage area a second
• Provisioning space forms which is a closed space except for the optionally at least one supply opening 61. Thereby, during a printing operation, the memory element 62 is prevented from drying out.
• At least one sensor device 64; 66 is arranged monitoring a state of the at least one storage element 62 and / or the first storage space and / or the second storage compartment.
• This sensor device 64; 66 has, for example, at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one sensor 64; 66 for direct or indirect determination of a solvent concentration in the first ready room and / or in the second ready room.
• 66 includes at least a first electrode 64 and at least one second electrode 66 spaced therefrom. On the basis of a measurement of, for example, a resistance and / or a conductivity between the two electrodes 64; 66 can then be closed to a concentration of a medium arranged between these two electrodes.
• This medium has, for example, solvents and / or has, for example, at least one agent for influencing a conductivity, for example at least one salt and / or has, for example, at least one means for reducing an evaporation rate. From this measurement, conclusions can be drawn on the concentration of the medium within the first ready room or the second ready room.
• medium is preferably controlled and / or regulated
• the electrodes 64; 66 with the at least one storage element 62, in particular sponge 62 in direct contact For example, with a corresponding control and / or regulation, a temperature in the region of Electrodes 64; 66 and / or the memory element 62 are taken directly into account.
• the at least one storage element 62, in particular the at least one sponge 62, is preferably out of contact with the nozzle surface 48 at all times
• Nozzle surface 48 is preferably influenced only indirectly by the atmosphere that is affected by the medium stored in memory element 62.
• the control and / or regulation of this atmosphere can also be carried out, for example, while the print unit 01 is otherwise in a standby mode.
• the control and / or regulation of this atmosphere can be carried out, for example, continuously or at specific intervals.
• At least one magnetic element is preferably arranged on the nozzle closure 37 and / or on the subassembly 46. More preferably, at least one magnetic element is arranged on the nozzle closure 37 and at least one magnetic element is arranged on the subassembly 46. Even more preferably, at least one magnetic element is arranged on the nozzle closure 37 and at least two magnetic elements are arranged on the subassembly 46, wherein at least one of the magnetic elements of the subassembly 46 is assigned to the nozzle surface 48 and at least one other of the magnetic elements of the subassembly 46 is assigned to the deposition region.
• the pressure unit 01 at least a fourth pump 49, which is referred to as a filling pump 49.
• the filling pump 49 is preferably along a
• Refill line 51 is arranged.
• the refill line 51 and the filling pump 49 are used in particular to fill the storage container 03 with coating agent, in particular ink.
• the filling pump 49 is preferably circuit technology with the
• the filling pump 49 is preferably designed as a component 49 of the main assembly 33.
• the refill line 51 is preferably as a component 51 of the main assembly 33 educated. Therefore, the refill line 51 preferably ends in the storage space 08 of the storage container 03.
• the refill line 51 preferably begins at a
• Coating agent inlet 52 or ink inlet 52 The coating agent inlet 52 or ink inlet 52 preferably serves as a connection for refill container 53.
• the coating agent inlet 52 or ink inlet 52 is preferably formed as a component 52 of the main assembly 33.
• Coating agent and in particular ink are first checked for compatibility of its contents with the printing unit 01. This is preferably done contactless, especially wireless.
• the refill container 53 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one data module 54, more preferably at least one data module 54, which has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for contactless, in particular wireless communication with at least one communication module 56 of the printing unit 01.
• Contactless is to be understood in particular as meaning that there is no physical contact.
• On the at least one data module 54 data are preferably stored, which are preferably read by means of the at least one communication module 56 of the printing unit 01, more preferably wirelessly readable.
• the at least one data module 54 is preferably designed as an RFI D module 54 (radio frequency identification module) and / or as an optical data module 54. That at least one
• Data module 54 preferably has at least one data memory, in particular memory and at least one transmitting unit, in particular a transmitter and at least one receiving unit, in particular a receiver.
• the at least one data module preferably has at least one processor element for processing data.
• the at least one transmitting unit and the at least one receiving unit are preferably designed as a combined transmitting and / or receiving unit, in particular in the case of an RFID module 54.
• the at least one transmitting unit and / or the at least one Receiving unit and / or the at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit is preferably formed as at least one antenna, more preferably in the form of at least one conductor loop and even more preferably in the form of at least one conductor coil having a plurality of turns.
• the data module 54 is at least readable. In particular, therefore, data from the at least one memory of the at least one data module 54 is contactless, in particular wirelessly to at least one reading device, for example the at least one
• the data module 54 is preferably writable. In particular, therefore, data from at least one
• Transmitting device for example, the at least one communication module 56 of the printing unit 01 from contactless, in particular wirelessly transferable to the at least one data module 54 and in particular in the at least one memory of the at least one data module and / or data in the at least one memory of the at least one data module 54 means at least one transmitting device,
• the at least one communication module 56 of the printing unit 01 can be changed.
• the at least one data module 54 has at least one repeatedly contactlessly writable and readable memory.
• the at least one communication module 56 is preferably a component 56 of the main assembly 33.
• the refill container 53 is completely emptied except for possibly remaining residue.
• the coating agent in particular the ink within the refill container 53, no longer needs to be maintained as soon as the refill container 53 is opened and fed to the coating agent inlet 52 or
• Ink inlet 52 was connected.
• the refill container 53 can be removed immediately or later after its emptying or on the
• the printing unit 01 preferably has a second fill level measuring device 58.
• the second level measuring device 48 is preferably used to measure a second level of coating agent, in particular ink in the reservoir 08 of the reservoir 03. The second
• Level measuring device 58 is preferably a component 58 of the main assembly 33.
• At least information about a lower message status of the storage container 03 and information about an upper message status of the storage container 03 can preferably be detected by the second fill level measuring device 58.
• the lower indicator level of the reservoir 03 corresponds in particular to a lower level of the
• Reservoir 03 as the upper reporting status of the reservoir 03.
• Storage tank 03 preferably contains at least 500 ml and more preferably at least 1000 ml of coating agent, in particular ink.
• the storage container 03 preferably holds at most 10 l and more preferably at most 2 l coating agent, in particular ink.
• the second level measuring device 58 on a sensor which is both suitable to determine whether the filling level of the reservoir 03 has reached the lower reporting level of the reservoir 03, as well as is suitable to determine whether the filling level of the reservoir 03 the has reached upper reporting level of the reservoir 03.
• the second level measuring device 58 has a first sensor which is suitable for determining whether the filling level of the reservoir 03 has reached the lower indicator level of the reservoir 03 and the second level measuring device 58 has a second sensor which is suitable for this purpose to determine whether the filling level of the reservoir 03 has reached the upper reporting level of the reservoir 03.
• the second level measuring device 58 is preferably connected in terms of circuitry to the machine control, in particular to the level control area of the machine control.
• the printing unit 01 has at least one stirring device 57.
• at least one stirring device 57 is preferably arranged in the storage space 08 of the reservoir 03 coating agent, in particular ink kept in motion or at least temporarily set in motion.
• agitator 57 for example, at least one stirring magnet 57 or stirring fish 57 is used.
• the at least one stirring device 57 is preferably a component 57 of the main assembly 33.
• the printing unit 01 is distinguished by the fact that a plurality of print heads 02 are connected to the compensation container 04 via a common print head feed line 26 or a respective print head feed lines 26.
• a common print head feed line 26 or a respective print head feed lines 26 can be operated simultaneously and / or larger areas per unit time can be printed with the same coating agent, in particular ink.
• the printing unit 01 has been described with a piping system for a coating agent, in particular an ink.
• the printing unit 01 is designed for multi-color printing.
• the printing unit is characterized alternatively or additionally by the fact that ever
• Printhead assembly assembly, second
• Shutter drive positioning drive, component (34) Pressure sensor, vacuum sensor, first, component (33) - pressure sensor, overpressure sensor, second, component (33) Level measuring device, first, component (34)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=59856517

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (16)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2017
  • 2017-09-07 EP EP17765153.6A patent/EP3515714A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2017-09-07 WO PCT/EP2017/072399 patent/WO2018050519A1/de unknown
  • 2017-09-07 US US16/334,468 patent/US20190337299A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-09-07 CN CN201780057615.XA patent/CN109789704A/zh active Pending

Patent Citations (16)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events